The Mini Factor
a smaller version of the original iPad has been in discussion for a very long time, infact it started a few years back when steve jobs was asked about the possibility of a smaller iPad, he completely thrashed the idea. The reason why Apple made a smaller iPad is because lately people are choosing to buy smaller (7') Android tablets like the Kindle Fire and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7'. This is because many of these tablets are a fraction of the price of the iPad and are specced high in comparison so Apple decided to revisit the idea of the ipad mini in order to place a competitor in the 7' devision hence diverting more sales towards them. So the iPad Mini was launched on the 23rd October 2012.
At first glance the ipad mini looks much like the 5th Generation iPod Touch with its circular home button , bold bezel and the tapered aluminum backing which makes it look stunning but then again once one holds the ipad mini in their hands one will notice that back isn't comfortable and grip-able which a good E-Reader should be ( after all that is what Apple envisioned it to be used as), the aluminum however is cold and slippery which isn't ideal for viewing any movies or playing games.
The size is perfect in my opinion, just big small enough to fit in a bag, just big enough for you to enjoy great apps. The Screen for me was a great disappointment, i was expecting the resolution to be much better but it wasn't good all (don't get me wrong, i'm not saying its horrible) but compared to most 7' Android tablets its bad. With the iPad mini I was expecting a Retina Display like the iPhone 5 and the iPod Touch (5th Gen) but the screen is just like any laptop screen.
Where Apple Really went wrong!
With the iPad Mini Apple went wrong with what Apple always goes wrong with - The price. In the start of this review I stated the reason for the iPad mini's existence 'to place a competitor in the 7' devision hence diverting more sales towards them' but the thing is - when all the other tablet in that 7' devision are a fraction of the price, why would people buy a iPad mini.
APPLE OTHER 7' TABLETS
iPad Mini : US$399 Kindle Fire HD : US$199
: INRs 21 900 : INRs 14 000
: ZAR 3300 : ZAR 1 800
Even though iPad Mini prices are much higher than its competitors, the iPad mini will sell for the same reason I bought it - Because its an iPad! other companies just don't have the same reputation as Apple.
iDevice VS iOS
iOS 6 works seamlessly on the iPad mini thanks to its A5 processor, Features like Siri and Apple's Maps are excellent and make Apple devices what they are - Simple. But with iOS your Apple device is what you make of it (it shows your personality). Listening to music through the iPad mini's speakers is a joy but when you are holding the device in landscape mode its hard to hold the iPad without blocking the speakers. The camera's are crisp, clear and a whole lot better than a majority of its competitors. The built in social apps (Facetime , game center and iMessages) works brilliantly and are efficient (let put it like this at least iMessages doesn't crash for 3 days straight like BBM!)Bag it ?
Personally I think in the 7' inch tablet market and infact in the entire tablet market - the iPad mini is the best. The iPad mini is ideal for any environment whether it be education , business or pure entertainment - the App store will shape your iPad mini into the perfect everyday tool for you. If you are looking for a Tablet - This is it !
